Anton Yelchin Negotiating For Chekov Role

Russian-born Anton Yelchin is currently negotiating to play the role of Pavel Chekov in the new Star Trek film.

Despite his young age, Yelchin has been appearing in film and television roles for over seven years now. He's recently had a long recurring role in Huff and guest-starring roles on Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Criminal Minds, and also had a small role last year in the film Alpha Dog. Yelchin was born in 1989 to a Russian figure-skating couple, national celebrities in the Soviet Union after skating for the Leningrad Ice Ballet for 15 years. Yelchin and his parents emigrated to the United States when he was only six months old, and he speaks flawless American -- but would presumably be able to turn on his Russian accent again to play Chekov.

Yelchin's involvement with Star Trek XI was revealed in an article in today's edition of the Hollywood Reporter. The trade paper added that casting is now underway in both New York and London for the roles of the remaining Original Series crew members besides Spock and Chekov -- but also for those of the film's villain and someone described as the "Federation Captain." The Hollywood Reporter noted director J.J. Abrams is expected to cast bigger-name actors for these last two roles.

When news of the Paramount casting sheet for Trek XI leaked out over the weekend, many speculated the fact Chekov wasn't on the sheet also meant he wouldn't be in the film. Chekov was only added to the Original Series in the show's second season, and with the new film likely being set before that period, it was thought Chekov wouldn't make the cut. It now seems Chekov was in fact left off the sheet because the role had already been filled.

In related news, Variety reported today that shooting for Star Trek XI is scheduled to begin on the 5th of November.